A circular by the Department of Women and Child Development earlier this month restricting the number of monthly sittings of the Child Welfare Committee (CWCs) in many districts has forced the members to hear almost double the cases than usual. While on an average about 20 cases were being heard in each sitting, the number of cases being heard by some CWCs now has reached 38.
Experts point out that this could have an adverse impact, resulting in hasty and erroneous decisions.
The committee is vested with the responsibility of tackling cases pertaining to children in need of care and protection.
The circular, a copy of which is with The Hindu , states that while the earlier provision allowed the CWCs to hold 12 sittings per month, they have now been advised to conduct only six sittings a month, and honorarium of Rs. 1,000 each will be given to the members only for six sittings. This circular does not apply to Bengaluru, Mysuru, Dharwad and Belagavi.
Though the circular states that if there are more children, CWC members could discuss the matter with the local District Child Protection Officer and increase the number of sittings, CWC members say that the DCPOs have unofficially asked them to hear all cases in six sittings only.
H.C. Raghavendra, chairperson of the Ballari CWC, however, said that earlier this month, after the circular was issued, they had to hear 48 cases pertaining to children in one sitting. “As most of these cases are sensitive and are sometimes crucial in determining a child’s future, we can listen to 12 cases a day if justice has to be done,” he said.
Nagasimha G. Rao, director of Child Rights Trust, said the circular was in violation of the Integrated Child Protection Scheme which states that the CWCs should meet thrice a week.
